The Adventures of Tom and Debra (And the Lessons We Learned Along The Way)

Jesus answered, "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No man comes to the Father except through Me."

Friday, February 20, 2009

Victim or Victor?

Yesterday I watched my favorite sort of Oprah rerun, a show about how to declutter your entire house in 6 months. But what I appreciated most was a certain thought they shared, one which for eons I've reminded myself:You may not be able to control the chaos which is going on outside your home, but you can control most of the chaos on the inside.For me, those words spell encouragement and hope. I may not be out there making huge changes in the world, but I am in here, inside my house, making small changes, changes which make me feel better, calmer and more in control of my life.I'm rearranging my pantry, making more space for the items I am stocking-up. The more food and etcetera I tuck inside there, the more efficient and prepared I feel and ready for emergencies. I'm giving away clothing and clutter in order to help others feel more cared for (and so I'll feel less crowded). I'm painting walls and furniture to feel more at home within this new home of mine and we are better insulating it so to feel warmer and save money while using less energy.You know, that sort of thing.We can deplete our personal energy complaining about the Times in which we live, or we can aim that strength toward making changes. Always, there will be changes we can make within our own homes. We need not feel helpless or hopeless there.And today? Today I'm thinking I'll do a Time Travel Day. I need one right about now. I'll get out my 1920's Good Housekeeping and The American magazines and I'll tie on an apron and make some coffee. I'll put on some Glen Miller and Benny Goodman tunes and sit awhile and read. Later I'll pull out my vintage cookbooks, study the yummy photos, maybe discover a new recipe and then perhaps I'll watch an episode of Leave It To Beaver or The Dick van Dyke Show. Maybe I'll even mop the kitchen, clean the bathroom, dust and get the house all sparkly before Tom comes home tonight. Maybe. :)I might do all the stuff which whisks me back to simpler times. But you know? Every decade before ours, even those so-called simple ones, had their wars and financial disasters and plagues, sicknesses and weather woes. And yet today, (with its own huge messes outside), I can create a fun and hopeful atmosphere within these four walls, I can mold some hours into being what I desire them to be. I can make, within my own home, a peaceful, retro, loving arena for myself and my husband for yes, today, that is possible. Even in February of 2009.******************"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 (Don't allow a bunch of fear, hopelessness and worry to get in there!)Just because the world is falling apart, doesn't mean I must.

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About Me

I am the annoying happy homemaker type (and proud of it) who enjoys writing about her adventures with a husband inside a cottage in the empty nest phase of life. And who's Grace? She's the one God gives to help me with all I need to do around here. :)